PETA is taking action after a dolphin bite incident at SeaWorld Orlando this week.

The animal-rights group asked the federal government Tuesday to investigate SeaWorld after a dolphin bit the hand of 8-year-old Jillian Thomas, who was feeding it, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

SeaWorld has continued to defend itself after criticism from the Thomas family.

Video posted online shows Thomas standing along the edge of a pool, one of several people feeding dolphins. After she picks up a paper plate that once held the marine mammal's food, a dolphin lunges at her and bites her hand.

The dolphin let go after a few seconds, but not before leaving three puncture wounds on the girl's hand.

In a statement, SeaWorld spokeswoman Becca Bides said on-site "educators and animal care staff ... immediately connected with the family. In addition, a member of our health services team was in the area at Dolphin Cove and quickly responded and treated the young girl."

PETA said it has sent a letter asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to "hold SeaWorld accountable" under the federal Animal Welfare Act, the Orlando Sentinel reports .

According to the report , PETA has a long history of battling SeaWorld. It has repeatedly staged protests and other demonstrations outside the marine park, and it once filed a lawsuit claiming the company was violating the United States' constitutional ban on slavery by keeping killer whales in captivity.